Summary of Payments for Australian Apprentices

Support for Australian Apprentices

On 1 July 2022, the Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System (AAIS) was introduced to support Australian Apprentices on their Apprenticeship journey.

Australian Apprentices undertaking a qualification on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List may be eligible for financial assistance.

Snapshot of funding available for Australian Apprentices

Australian Apprentice Training Support Payment

Breakdown below:

$5,000 in total for full-time Australian Apprentices or;
$2,500 in total for part-time Australian Apprentices.

Paid in installments of:

Full time - $1,250 at the 6, 12, 18 and 24 month points;
Part time - $625 at the 6, 12, 18 and 24 month points.

Eligibility Criteria:

Where the Australian Apprentice is;

Commencing, recommencing or an existing worker;
Undertaking a Certificate III, IV, Diploma or Advance Diploma;
Undertaking a qualification and occupational outcome stated on Appendix A: Australian Apprenticeships Priority List;
Not claiming other wage subsidies (Trade Support Loan and Living Away From Home Allowance are not wage subsidies); and

Where the Employer is;

Registered for Single Touch Payroll with the ATO or has ATO Exemption, and therefore wage evidence is available through Single Touch Payroll.

To claim this payment, the Australian Apprentice must access the ADMS System to lodge the claim within 3 months of the effect date.

New Energy Apprentice Support Payment

Breakdown below:

$10,000 in total for full-time Australian Apprentices or;
$5,000 in total for part-time Australian Apprentices.

Paid in installments of:

Full time - $2,000 at the 6, 12, 24, 36 month points and at completion of the program;
Part time - $1,000 at the 6, 12, 24, 36 month points and at completion of the program.

Eligibility Criteria:

Where the Australian Apprentice is;

Commencing or recommencing an Australian Apprenticeship with an employer on or after 1 January 2023; or
Has recommenced their Australian Apprenticeship with the same employer on or after 1 January 2023 after a break greater than 6 months if the commencement was prior to 1 July 2022; or 12 months if the commencement date was on or after 1 July 2022.
The Australian Apprentice is undertaking a qualification at the Certificate III or above in an occupation that is listed on the Priority List and identified as a Clean Energy occupation.
Both the Australian Apprentice and the employer must be able to sign a declaration agreeing to build skills in the Clean Energy sector and provide ongoing training in Clean Energy work.

To claim this payment, the Australian Apprentice must access the ADMS System to lodge the claim within 3 months of the effect date.

Trade Support Loan

This is a loan to assist with the cost of living whilst undertaking an Australian Apprenticeship, and must be repaid. Repayments are made through the ATO and can be repaid in bulk payments or a percentage deducted each year when you lodge your Tax Return. Lifetime Limit applicable is $22,890.

First year: Total up to $9,796.92, with monthly installments of $816.41
Second year: Total up to $7,347.72, with monthly installments of $612.31
Third year: Total up to $4,989.40 with monthly installments of $408.20
Second year: Total up to $2,449.20, with monthly installments of $204.10

Eligibility criteria:

Where the Australian Apprentice is undertaking:

Certificate III or IV qualification that leads to an occupation on the National Skills Needs List (Appendix B) and to a qualification on the Trade Support Loans Qualifications List; or
Certificate II – IV Agriculture qualification on the Trade Support Loans Qualifications List; or
Certificate II – IV Horticulture qualification on the Trade Support Loans Qualifications List with a workplace postcode on the Rural & Regional Postcode List (Appendix D).

Other incentives available for Australian Apprentices

For Australian Apprentices;

Living Away From Home Allowance (LAFHA):

First year: $77.17 per week.
Second year: $38.59 per week.
Third year: $25.00 per week.

Youth Allowance Austudy and ABSTUDY:

Australian Apprentices may be eligible to receive extra support from the Government, subject to the application of parental and personal income tests. Contact Services Australia on 13 36 33.

Funded Training:

State Government may subsidise the cost of the training component delivered by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). Contact your State Training Authority.

Travel and Accommodation Allowances (SA only):

For those who travel more than 150km to attend courses in relation to their training program. Contact your State Training Authority on 1800 673 097.

Trade Apprentice Vehicle Discount (VIC only):

50% off car registration renewal. Contact VicRoads on 13 11 71.

Car Registration Rebate (NSW only):

First, second and third year Australian Apprentices may be entitled to a Transport Concession Card. Contact NSW Transport on 13 67 25.
First and second year Australian Apprentices can receive a $100 rebate on their car registration. Contact NSW Government on 02 6841 4804.

Travel and Accommodation Allowances (TAS only):

For those who travel more than 21kms each way to attend courses in relation to their training program. Click here for more information.

Travel and Accommodation Allowances (QLD only):

For those who travel more than 50km to attend courses in relation to their training. Click here for more information.

For Australian Apprentices living with a disability;

Disability Australian Apprentice Wage Support:

$104.30 per week wage support paid to the employer (pro-rata for part-time).

Tutorial Assistance:

$38.50 per hour paid to the RTO (up to $5,500 per year).

Mentor and/or Interpreter Assistance:

$38.50 per hour paid to the RTO (up to $5,500 per year).

Employment Assistance Fund:

Employers may be able to get financial help from the Australian Government for equipment, modifications and services to support their employees with disabilities. To connect with your local JobAccess provider, call 1800 464 800.

Further criteria and conditions apply for all incentives. This information is to be used as a guide only and is subject to change without notice. Information is current as of the 1st July 2022.

Get in touch with us

Our friendly team at Mas are here to guide you through the program and help you access funding available for undertaking an Apprenticeship.

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Summary of Payments for Apprentices